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About MOPS
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Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering |
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In 2010, MOPS invites you to join in the learning process as together we explore Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering.
 Mothering is both art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses!
There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us.
Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences.
MOPS International has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids.
Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mom with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.
Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.
Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single moms, with a parenting partner.
Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.
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Through Momology, as we explore together, we’ll be guided by an all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present God. Our theme verse for the year is:
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10)
Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead — and love — knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can’t hold open our eyelids and the times we’re bursting with joy. God’s hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together to become better moms making a better world.
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Article from the MOPs website. |
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(A typical morning in our home)
9:15 AM MOPPETS Check-In
9:30 AM Moms Check-In, Announcements
10:00 AM Speaker/MOPS DVD
10:45 AM Discussion Group Time
11:00 AM Service and/or Creative Activities |
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MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.
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| MOPS International Faith Position Statement |
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MOPS International is a Christian non-profit organization that believes in working with local Christian churches/parachurches to maximize ministry opportunities to God’s Kingdom. MOPS programs are chartered in churches of many different denominations and Christian traditions, but all share the common desire to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring glory to God in everything.
Churches/parachurches and individual MOPS ministry leaders must embrace and agree on the basic, orthodox truths of the Christian faith and the essential issues of salvation. We believe the Bible is the foundation for these truths. It is God’s Word, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is authoritative on all matters on which it speaks. MOPS International is committed to telling the truth of the saving work of Jesus Christ, of God’s grace to mankind, of the reality of the Trinity and the role of the Church in God’s plan for the world. These foundational Christian beliefs are reflected in many of the historic church creeds.
By agreeing with this statement a church is affirming that they too believe in and teach the foundational truths of the Christian gospel. Because these beliefs are foundational to the ministry of MOPS International, MOPS International reserves the right to have final authority on the granting of Charters. |
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- There is one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, Matthew 28:19). We believe Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man (Matthew 1:18&23).
- The Bible is the foundation for these truths. It is God's Word, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is authoritative on all matters on which it speaks (II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 3:16-17).
- Jesus came into this world to redeem us by offering himself as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins; he died for us; and he demonstrated his victory over sin and death by rising physically from the dead and ascending to heaven (Romans 5:8-9, Romans 6:23, I Corinthians 15:1-4).
- The result of this saving work of Christ is that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16).
- We further believe that the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption will begin with the visible personal return of Christ to judge the world and separate believers and unbelievers forever, and will culminate in a new creation (Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17, Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:15, Romans 6:23).
- We believe that God chooses to work through the believers in his church and that we are called to evangelism and discipling of believers within the fellowship of the church (Matthew 28:19-20, I Peter 2:9).
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Eight women. The number was small, but the need was great. The first MOPS meeting took place in February 1973 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  For two hours, while their children received care, these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that "mothering matters." Today, the same needs for significance are met in much the same way in MOPS groups across the United States and around the world.
From the beginning, women in MOPS were not content to be spectators. Through MOPS, they found an opportunity to discover and cultivate their leadership gifts. As women moved around the country, they took the concept of MOPS with them, and new groups formed.
Growth began as word spread in churches, conventions, and magazine articles that explained this unique new program. Inquiries and requests for information became more frequent, and a handbook was printed. Office space moved from a desk in a family room to a rented office.
In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. As interest mushroomed, leadership training began. One hundred fifty women from five states gathered in 1982 for the first all-day MOPS leadership seminar.
In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. The Board hired Elisa Morgan as the first president of the organization in 1989.
MOPS reached out to moms through the MOMSense newsletter (now MOMSense magazine) beginning in 1993. The newsletter joined the existing MOMSense radio program to help MOPS nurture every mother of preschoolers, whether or not she attended a MOPS group.
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| The original MOPS group moms got together again on MOPS International's 25th anniversary. |
In 1995, MOPS formed a partnership with Zondervan Publishing House, further expanding its outreach to mothers through books. Also that year, MOPS established Teen MOPS groups for teenage mothers. MOPS became even more available to moms when it went on-line in 1997, and in 2000 when it created the MOPS toMom Connection (now MOPS International Membership) to bring additional resources directly to a mom's home.
MOPS has come a long way over the years, and continues to adapt to meet the various needs of moms today. |
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Article from the MOPs website. |
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Newsflash
2010-2011 MOPS Open House
Friday, August 27
10AM-12PM
New Hope Presbyterian
First Meeting
Tuesday, September 7
9:30AM-12PM
New Hope Presbyterian
Playdate
Tuesday, September 14
10AM
Little Dipper water playground
1750 Matthews Drive
MNO
Thursday, September 23
7PM
The Grind Coffee House and Roaster
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